There’s nothing like modern day convenience, such as GPS, when it comes to motoring. And there’s nothing like the Isle of Man, to be the original brainstorm behind some little big thinking. Hooray for the Manx (though you might need a Sat Nav to find them). What with Fairies under the bridge that every passing motorist absolutely has to say ‘hello’ to, or risk bad luck, they certainly know a thing or two about manufacturing. Where else can you go to see the largest working waterwheel in the world or watch one of the few remaining skilled Manx handloom weavers?
Now let’s talk Peel. This is the place on the westerly tip of the Isle of Man where sunsets are just plain glorious as the sun sinks below Ireland, just a hop across the sea.
Well, the Peel Car could be the big thing. This car is the born again version of a quintessentially British classic that was made on the Isle of Man between1962-1965. It has more pulling power than a Ferrari but as only 50 were produced, it never got far beyond the grid. This little cutie is just big enough to take all the fairies in one bridge hop; it could also take you straight from the road right up to your desk, via the office canteen of course, for a quick coffee stop on the way.
It is being re-manufactured as the P50 Peel Car by two enthusiastic entrepreneurs who recently won backing by Dragon’s Den investor, James Caan. Yes, this could see the boss installing no parking signs by the lift. You cruise in through the door, fresh from the road, a straight line to the lifts, out onto the carpet tiles; by passing the water cooler, off you go, steady along the corridor. Oops, watch the girl from accounts doing a spot of photo-copying, best give her a quick blow on the horn. Toot, toot.
It’s the world’s smallest production car and you can do a quick 3 point manoeuvre and park it right beside your desk. Drive out into the traffic after work and you’re sure to be in the centre lane of attention. However, whilst you can drive from London to Bristol on just 1 gallon of petrol, you won’t be allowed on the motorway.
A limited edition is being planned before the go ahead is given to produce a viable everyday motor micro car which would be hand built in Britain; what a snip at just £15k each or more than £100,000k for an original in mint condition.
Get out the SatNav, P50 Peel Car drivers, and if it doesn’t drive you round the bend, make sure it doesn’t drive you into a large puddle. Come to think about it, the boss might need a good tracking device too, to send him alerts of exactly where you are located, in case you get lost…in the office.
